In a powerful statement on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar urged India to reconsider its approach towards Pakistan, warning that unilateral decisions and aggressive tactics will not work in a region already burdened with tension.
Speaking at the Foundation Day ceremony of the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, Dar accused India of escalating regional instability through false flag operations and military provocations. He specifically referred to the recent Pahalgam incident, calling it a “false drama” and claimed Pakistan had responded swiftly and decisively to India’s “imposed aggression.”
“India cannot force its will on Pakistan,” Dar said. “We gave a firm and proportionate response, and we will continue to safeguard our sovereignty.”
Dar also addressed India’s alleged attempts to weaponise water by threatening the Indus Waters Treaty. “This treaty cannot be suspended unilaterally,” he stated, adding that such moves threaten long-term peace. He called on New Delhi to abandon hostility and instead reconsider its approach towards Pakistan for the betterment of the region.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the Kashmir issue, Dar said the dispute remains an internationally recognised conflict requiring peaceful resolution. “India is openly violating international laws, while Pakistan stands by the principles of peaceful coexistence,” he said.
Turning his attention to global affairs, Dar strongly condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza, labelling them as “barbaric” and unprecedented. He called on the international community to break its silence and take urgent steps to end the humanitarian crisis. “There is no justification for the atrocities being committed. Justice for Palestinians is the key to lasting peace in the region,” he added.
Dar also welcomed the recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Iran’s right to self-defence. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, especially in resolving the Iranian nuclear issue.
Highlighting Pakistan’s foreign policy direction, Dar described relations with China as a “time-tested friendship” and noted the growing strength of the Pakistan-China strategic partnership in an increasingly complex global order.
He concluded by stating that the world is shifting from a unipolar to a multipolar order, and Pakistan is committed to playing a “balanced and independent role” in this evolving geopolitical environment.
